Join us for a laid-back evening with Mark Houck in the new Catacomb Cafe (description below) to view a recording of the "Become Who You Are" podcast and Q&A. - Hosted by Jack Rigert of The John Paul II Renewal Center.

Mark Houck is a Catholic husband, father of seven, and longtime pro-life advocate from Pennsylvania. He is the co-founder and president of The King's Men, a Catholic lay apostolate dedicated to helping men grow in virtue, prayer, authentic masculinity, and the defense of life. For more than two decades, Houck has participated in peaceful sidewalk counseling outside abortion facilities, where he has sought to offer prayer, practical assistance, and alternatives to women considering abortion.

Houck became nationally known in September 2022 when FBI agents arrested him at his home following an indictment under the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The charges stemmed from a 2021 altercation outside a Philadelphia abortion facility involving a volunteer clinic escort. Houck maintained that he pushed the escort while protecting his young son, whom he said was being verbally harassed. Federal prosecutors alleged that his actions violated the FACE Act because they interfered with the escort's duties. In January 2023, after a week-long trial in federal court, a jury found Houck not guilty on all counts.

The circumstances surrounding Houck's arrest became the subject of significant public debate. His family and supporters described the early-morning arrest as unnecessarily forceful and traumatic, particularly because it occurred in front of his wife and children. He has since settled with the US Justice department for a seven figure amount.

Here is Mark's testimony at the House Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing in May of 2023.

Notable News Coverage

Live Action – Exclusive interview with Mark Houck after acquittal

About the Podcast:

LISTEN HERE | WATCH HERE

"What’s the meaning and purpose of my life? What is my true identity? Why were we created male and female? How do I find happiness, joy and peace? How do I find love that lasts, forever? These are the timeless questions of the human heart. Join Jack Rigert and his guests for lively insights, reading the signs of our times through the lens of Catholic Teaching and the insights of Saint John Paul ll to guide us."

Saint Catherine of Siena said "Become who you are and you would set the world on fire".

Timing

6:00 pm - Mass (optional)
7:00 pm - Dinner & Drinks
7:30 pm - Podcast Recording
9:00 pm - Close

Notes

Supporting our mission

We appreciate your spiritual and financial support of The John Paul II Renewal Center, which include these projects and initiatives:

Please know that the $75 charge to attend this lovely event only covers the cost of food/beverage, A/V, stipends, facility costs, supplies, advertising, and labor. Donations above and beyond are appreciated to sustain our work. We thank you for your generosity.

If you desire to write a check to avoid online processing fees, please make it out to the John Paul II Renewal Center. You can bring it to the event or mail to:

902 S Randall Road
STE C, #296
St. Charles, IL 60174

The John Paul II Renewal Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. 100% of your contributions are tax deductible. FEIN number: 45-3839387 More about the John Paul II Renewal Center can be found here.

SPONSORS

Thank you to the following for helping make this event possible:

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Contact David Avignone with questions: DavidAvignone@JP2renew.org

About St. Mary of Perpetual Help, Chicago

History of the Parish
The history of St. Mary of Perpetual Help Parish began circa 1880 as Polish immigrants settled in the historic Bridgeport neighborhood. The church's architect was Henry Engelbert and is styled with a Romanesque exterior of decorative brick with stone corbeling and the newly restored soaring twin bell towers. The interior is Byzantine and resembles a Greek cross with half domes and arches surrounding the towering 113-foot-high copper clad central dome.

The lavishly decorated nave is enriched with Stations of the Cross, statuary by Daprato Studios and original stained-glass windows by Joseph Artmaier. The church's nave and sanctuary also feature fine scagliola work, elaborate altars, a suspended European style pulpit topped by a cupola, and decorative stenciling and murals by John Mallin. The historic 48-rank Austin pipe organ, Opus 1602, was installed in 1928.

Father Nawrocki, the second pastor, completed the building of the Church in 1892. Archbishop James E Quigley consecrated St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church on October 24, 1903; thus St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church became the first Polish Roman Catholic Church in the United States to be bestowed with this great honor. The twelve brass crosses along the walls in the church and the white marble plaque in the vestibule commemorate this historic event.

From 2013 to 2024, the church has undergone a complete interior and exterior restoration. With a rich and proud history, Saint Mary's continues to serve an active and ever-growing faith community with over 1300 parishioners from Bridgeport and beyond.

Visit the Website To Learn More

About The Catacomb Cafe

The Catacomb Cafe is a welcoming gathering space in the heart of Bridgeport, located in the lower level of St. Mary of Perpetual Help.

The cafe is open to the public Thursday – Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Sundays 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for parishioners only after both Masses.

The Catacomb Cafe offers a peaceful, beautiful and inviting place to work, read, meet a friend, or enjoy quiet time surrounded by the serene parish campus.

Our Cafe Offers:

Self-serve specialty coffee, tea, and gourmet pastries from Dolce Arte. (You’re your own barista!)
Fast Wi-Fi
Spacious café & lounge seating
Four outdoor patios
Click here for more info

Here are some pictures from a previous event hosted by The John Paul II Renewal Center

An Evening With Mark Houck In The Catacomb Cafe

Live-Audience Podcast Recording & Dinner